Rangers Vs. Penguins: Brent Johnson, Brooks Orpik Out As Pens Take On Eastern Conference Elite

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NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 19: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins reacts after scoring a goal against Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers during their game on January 19, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Can Evgeni Malkin and company find ways to score against Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers?

Feb 21, 2012 - The Penguins hope to climb the Eastern Conference standings by beating the New York Rangers Tuesday night at CONSOL Energy Center (7:00, ROOT Sports).

The Rangers lead the conference with 81 points (38-14-5), while the Pens are sixth with 71 (33-21-5). The Rangers have won seven of their last nine, thanks in part to goalie Henrik Lundqvist and a stingy defense -- the Rangers have allowed three or more goals only twice in that span. The Pens' recent play has been uneven, but when they've won, it has been with lots of offense, with 18 goals in their last three wins. They may have a hard time piling up goals against the Rangers.

Pens defenseman Brooks Orpik will miss the game with an upper-body injury. Also, backup goalie Brent Johnson is sick, so the Pens recalled Brad Thiessen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Thiessen will back up Marc-Andre Fleury.

For more on the Penguins, check out PensBurgh. For more on the Rangers, there's Blueshirt Banter.